St Johnstone suffer defeat to Celtic

Mar 23 2010 by Gordon Bannerman, Perthshire Advertiser Tuesday

IT’S time for the cavalry. But with kids being asked to do a man’s job maybe it’s also time to conscript Hawkeye Pierce, Trapper John and Hotlips Hoolihan as back-up, reports Gordon Bannerman.

The Perth treatment room is busier than any MASH unit and their skills would come in handy as Derek McInnes attempts to patch-up the walking wounded and get them back in the field in pursuit of a top half finish.

Nine players weren’t able to strip for action and frontline leader, and part-time doctor, Kenny Deuchar joined them as spectators after just 14 minutes when he went over on a troubled ankle, paving the way for 17-year-old prospect Steven Reynolds to work a wide left shift as the Saints manager abandoned his 4-4-2 set-up for a more conservative approach.

The influential striker’s absence may have contributed to the Glasgow side’s opener, when defender Josh Thompson squirted an ugly header from a Braffheid free-kick inside the post from 10 yards.

Saints were unable to pose serious questions of a Celtic defence which has attracted criticism this season and it was unlucky game 13 as a remarkable club record scoring sequence finally petered out at a venue where rewards have been scant down the decades.

They had a couple of optimistic handball claims against Crosas dismissed by referee Callum Murray and right winger Gavin Swankie, celebrating the birth of baby Rio in midweek with his first appearance since way back in October, clipped a post with a well-struck 20-yard free-kick minutes into the second period.

The new dad also had a half-chance earlier when he was fed by Dave Mackay only to find O’Dea taking the sting out of his shot.

The lion’s share of the chances were created by a home outfit which was sluggish and stylish in equal measure and it turned into a damage limitation exercise for Saints when loan star Robbie Keane buried a 68th minute penalty to repay a few quid of a reputed £65,000 weekly wage packet.

The third came two minutes from the end when Greek international Georgios Samaras nutmegged Gary Irvine and strode through to slip a fine finish past keeper Graeme Smith, who enjoyed mixed fortunes as Celtic took their tally to 12 for the season against the Perth side.

Smith denied Keane with two smart close range saves but once again he was lured from his line and paid the penalty, quite literally.

A ball into the box and while Fortune charged in, Smith charged out. There was a grim inevitability about the outcome and while the keeper escaped a caution for grounding the banana booted striker, Keane planted a superb spot-kick into the top left corner.

Paul Sheerin handed over the skipper’s armband and Liam Craig had been introduced, despite carrying a knock.

Stevie Milne quickly followed him to protect a hamstring and before the end Murray Davidson’s distress was obvious as a toe injury hampered his mobility.

He did queeze a 20-yard half-volley over the target before Celtic added a third. Irvine had been relieved when former teammate McGeady shifted to the other flank after stepping-up after the interval, curling a shot against the woodwork and sending another inches wide.

It was hard to argue Celtic were worth their three goal haul, with impressive home grown product Paul McGowan stabbing a strike off the top of the crossbar, heading wide and having another effort barred by runaway Perth player of the year Mackay.

Saints rode their luck when Fortune headed wide when it looked easier to score after fine footwork from offside magnet Keane and in a rare advance Michael Duberry sclaffed a shot wide.

Hearts had extended their advantage with a capital derby win before the Glasgow kick-off but with five games before the split Saints are still in contention for a top half finish.

CELTIC: Zaluska, N’Guemo, Keane, Fortune (Samaras 74), Wilson, Crosas (Ki 58), Braafheid, Thompson, McGeady, O’Dea and McGowan (Zhi 89). Subs not used: Boruc, Hinkel, Rasmussen and Caddis.

ST JOHNSTONE: Smith, Irvine, Grainger, Duberry, Mackay, Millar, Davidson, Sheerin (Craig 58), Deuchar (Reynolds 14), Milne (Morais 71) and Swankie. Subs not used: Main, Connolly, Gartland and Falkingham.

Referee: Callum Murray.